Participants in the
My Dream Job programme were congratulated yesterday as certificates were handed out in Bridge Camphill's Artaban Hall,
writes Brian Byrne. 'Truly inspiring progress' was praised by
Emma Meredith, Career and Employment Facilitator at Camphill Communities of Ireland.
Recipients of FET and ETB certificates had taken part in a variety of courses, work experiences, secured paid employment in some instances, and participated in various workshops organised under the
Workability — Inclusive Pathways to Employment programme. "This programme was designed to open doors, to empower and support dreams, and today we stand together to celebrate just how far we have come," Emma told those present. "But this is only the beginning. There is so much more to come, and the future holds even greater opportunities for everybody in this room."
She congratulated the participants for their perseverance, energy and willingness to grow. "You should be incredibly proud of yourselves and everything you have done to date. To the staff, supporters and partners in this, thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement, because without you, none of this would have been possible."
An award for Employer of the Year was presented to the An Tearmann coffee shop by Stuart O'Neill, who has been working there two days a week under the scheme. He said that while he had initially been nervous, the staff had made it very easy for him to feel comfortable in his workplace. An Tearmann proprietor, David Hogan, presented certificates to those who had taken part in culinary and bakery classes, as well as working with the coffee shop. "An Tearmann today is not the same as it was when it was run by Camphill directly," he said. "But we have been able to keep alive some of the original vision with this fantastic project, and we do look forward to even more accomplishments." He presented a framed collage of photographs of those who had taken part in the culinary and bakery course and work experience, which will hang in the bakery on the campus.
The areas covered in the programme were Manual Handling Training, Power of Positivity Workshop, Disability Awareness Training, Computers (FET and ETB), Horticulture (FET), Career Preparation & Office Procedures (ETB). Eight service users took part in work experience in schools, coffee shops, gardens, and retail, and six secured paid employment. Fifteen of the group completed the Bakery and Culinary module.
On behalf of the participants, Annie Schiffer said that Emma Meredith had 'changed people's lives' in Bridge Camphill. Reflecting on her own experience, working in Russborough House estate, she said, "We've all gone out into the big world and can see what it looks like. Russborough is a fabulous place to work in, and it's like a third community to me."
Concluding the event, Emma said the programme has been 'a great journey'. "And there's still loads more to come, so hang in there."
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